Pages

About Me

I love to travel just to explore new things in life from breathtaking natural wonders, interesting historical sites, delicious food, friendly people and colorful culture. I treasure every moment in traveling by writing in my journal, taking photos and publish it in my travel blog.

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

In the highland city of Tagaytay, there is a place where you can experience healthy relaxation which tickles your feet in a cold water. Your pedicurists are numerous tiny fishes that will suck and bite any dirt in your feet which make you feel relaxed for twenty minutes followed by ten minute foot massage by our expert therapists. Recently, fish spa has become a popular trend in our country like in Manila Ocean Park. Here in Picnic Grove, you may visit in Tagaytay Fish Spa.

You may enjoy the fish pedicure treatment for 20 minutes which was done by Garra rufa or simply Doctor Fish. You may pick between the sucking type where you can have a stimulating feeling in your feet, the biting type where the fish will remove some dead cells and dirt in your feet or you may try both types where you need to transfer to another seat for ten minutes.

These small fishes help to remove the dry skin cells. You may pick between the biting or sucking type.

Interesting facts about Fish Pedicure,

For me, having a fish pedicure is a habit for me where I visit this place once in two to three months to feel relaxed and having a foot spa in a natural way. This type of foot massage is proven very effective and feeling pleasured in a sense that small fishes will tickle your feet and the staff of the Tagaytay Fish Spa are truly accommodating and friendly.

Tagaytay Fish Spa is located within the vicinity of Picnic Grove. The entrance fee for Picnic Grove is worth P 50.00 and Fish Spa is worth P 199.00

Sunday, May 8, 2016

Filipinos are
known for being religious and having a strong faith in God. It is depicted
through the solemn observance of Lenten season through religious customs and
practices held in churches and communities during Holy Week. These practices
are observed by the Catholics which serve as their “panata” or a solemn vow
devoted to God as a sign of faith. In the observance of Lent, I always do the
Visita Iglesia as devotion to my faith. “Visita Iglesia” also known as the
Seven Churches Visitation is an ancient Roman Catholic tradition to visit seven
churches on the evening of Maundy Thursday. During the Visita Iglesia, the devotees
visit seven to fourteen churches to pray before the Blessed Sacrament.

The Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours in Taal, Batangas, the largest Catholic church in the Far East.

I started last
2010 and it is my vow for the past six years. I began this practice with my
family and the following years, I traveled on my own to devote in the Seven
Churches Visit. I went to different provinces and cities from the highlands to
the coastal areas, from the busy urban streets to the simple, rural
countryside. Every place that I’ve been for Visita Iglesia is leading to the
discovery of our heritage, the unique culture and the interesting history as
well with the reflection of the challenges and blessings that I’ve experienced
which help me to become a better person and having a closer ties with God.
Therefore, Visita Iglesia is also one of the favorite topics in some travel
blogs and many people are interested in this religious activity. It also taught
me to explore the interesting tidbits of our culture and history where I need
to travel in neighboring towns and provinces to visit the churches.

Our Lady of Assumption Parish Church in Maragondon, Cavite

During my Visita
Iglesia, the first thing that I have done is to pray for forgiveness,
thanksgiving and supplication. I never forget to reflect on personal
experiences that I’ve had during the journey. In addition, I also checked the
historical markers in the churches that I’ve visited. Many churches witnessed
relevant events in history. For instance, Cavite has many Spanish-era churches
which became the place which played a significant role in our history. Emilio
Aguinaldo and Mariano Trias took their oaths in Santa Cruz Church in Tanza
which led to the organization of Revolutionary Government.

Saint Mary Magdalene Church in Magdalena, Laguna. The church where Emilio Jacinto sought refuge after being shot.

On the other
hand, churches have an interesting story to share in the lives of some
historical figures. For example, the Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz in
Binondo was the church where Andres Bonifacio and Gregoria de Jesus tied the
knot. On the other hand, Father Mariano Gomez of GOMBURZA became a parish
priest in Saint Michael the Archangel Parish Church in Bacoor and Emilio
Aguinaldo was baptized in Saint Mary Magdalene Church in Kawit. In addition,
Emilio Jacinto sought refuge in Saint Mary Magdalene Church in Magdalena,
Laguna after being shot near the Maimpis River. The marker where his blood
stains are covered with glass along with his hat and bolo.

Minor Basilica of San Sebastian in Quiapo, Manila. The only all-steel church in the Philippines.

Visita Iglesia
is also an opportunity for travelers and bloggers to explore the cultural
heritage of our country. First, there are churches that show an astonishing
artistry in the field of architecture. For The Minor Basilica of San Sebastian
in Quiapo which is the only church in Asia made up of steel. There are stories
that Gustave Eiffel made a participation in the creation of the church. On the
other hand, you may find the largest Catholic Church in Asia, the Basilica of
Saint Martin de Tours located in the heritage town of Taal, Batangas. The
province of Laguna also features Spanish-era Baroque churches which can be
found in the lakeshore towns of Paete, Pakil, Kalayaan and Lumban as well with
the churches in Liliw, Nagcarlan, Magdalena and Majayjay which are located in
the foothills of Mount Banahaw. These churches are still standing for many
centuries and survived natural disasters and wars.

Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo.

Saint James the Apostle Church in Paete which is known for its woodcarvings of religious images.

These churches
also show participation in some cultural events in their place. They have a
significant role in the preservation of traditions, customs and religious
practices of the people. In fact, the Saint James the Apostle Church in Paete
was a gathering area of wooden sculptures of images of Jesus Christ, Virgin
Mary and the saints. The adjacent town of Pakil has the Saint Peter of
Alcantara Church where it played an important role in the celebration of
Turumba Festival. The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene or Quiapo Church is
much known for its Feast of the Black Nazarene where millions of devotees are
attending every year to have a spiritual blessing.

Saint Gregory the Great Parish Church in Majayjay, Laguna.

Lastly, churches
serve as national treasures. It is a reflection of culture and tradition of the
Philippines and the heritage that was influenced by Spain who administered our
country for more than three hundred years. We also preserve these churches even
there are many natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes that
destroyed the earlier structures. However, there are old churches that are
still existing and showcase the cultural heritage of the Filipinos. Some of the
churches that I’ve been are included as National Cultural Treasures by the
National Historic Commission such as Saint Gregory the Great (Majayjay,
Laguna), Our Lady of Assumption Parish Church (Maragondon, Cavite) and
Immaculate Conception Parish Church (Balayan, Batangas) to name a few.

Nuestra Senora de Candelaria Parish Church in Silang, Cavite.

Therefore,
Visita Iglesia is a yearly activity should be treasured. Our country has a lot
of heritage churches that can be visited in different parts of Luzon, Visayas
and Mindanao. In addition, you will come back and visit again the churches that
you’ve been there and try a new route to explore more. It can be accomplished
on your own or with your friends and family to explore the cultural heritage of
our country in religious aspects and to reflect on our experiences in life that
we become a better person with the help of our God. ---This article was published in the March issue of Glabella Magazine which is an online magazine in Issuu.Com. The online magazine is a pet project of Carl Lorenz Cervantes, an actor, blogger, vocalist and a reality show contestant.